Salobie Bia

Salobie Bia is a traditional restaurant at 17 Shota Rustaveli Avenue in central Tbilisi, Georgia, opposite the Rustaveli Theatre, known for the cooking of Samegrelo, the western Georgian region also called Megrelia. Its position on the capital's main boulevard makes it among the most convenient places to try Megrelian food between visits to the National Gallery, the opera house and the Parliament area. Megrelian cuisine is spicier and more herb-driven than the cooking of the east, and relies on walnut, chilli and sulguni cheese. Signature dishes include gebzhalia, Megrelian cheese rolls served in a mint-yogurt sauce, elarji made with cornmeal and sulguni, and chkmeruli, a Georgian dish of chicken in garlic sauce. The menu is in the style of home cooking, with portions meant for sharing across the table. The dining room has a traditional character, with a relaxed pace and a mix of local lunch crowds, office workers and visitors. Noise is moderate, the dress code is casual, and the setting suits families and small groups. The drinks list covers Georgian wines and soft drinks; staff can suggest a pairing with the cheese-heavy dishes. Prices are moderate, around 50-100 GEL per person (roughly USD 19-38). Walk-ins are usually accepted, which makes it easy to fit into a day on Rustaveli Avenue, though the phone number +995 551 92 77 22 can be used for a larger group or a busy evening. Opening hours are not confirmed in the listing, so visitors should call before planning a very early or late meal. The restaurant is a practical option for travellers who want regional Georgian cooking without leaving the central boulevard, and it complements the khinkali-focused restaurants of the Old Town.